Buangkok residents face daily high-rise littering problem, soiled diapers & food scraps thrown down

A HDB block in Buangkok has been facing a persistent high-rise littering problem, with items such as food waste and even soiled diapers reportedly being thrown from upper floors.

Authorities have since stepped in, putting up more than 40 notices throughout the block to warn residents against such behaviour, reported Shin Min Daily News.

Litter found almost daily around the block

The issue was highlighted by Chen (transliteration), a 42-year-old security supervisor, who told Shin Min that the problem has been ongoing for years at Block 999A Buangkok Crescent.

However, he noted that the situation has worsened significantly over the past two months, with litter seen almost daily around the block.

"I’ve reported it multiple times," he said, adding that the environment has become increasingly dirty and unsanitary.

Common areas such as grass patches, areas near the refuse chute, and the loading bay, were littered with rubbish including used diapers and half-eaten noodles.

Chen recounted an incident from a few months ago where he was jogging underneath the block, when he noticed something falling from height right behind him.

When he turned around, he saw a trash bag with rubbish spilling out, which had just narrowly missed him.

He added that other passers-by had allegedly witnessed a bag of rice being thrown from height previously.

Over 40 notices put up by NEA and town council

The Ang Mo Kio Town Council and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have placed over 40 notices throughout the 18-floor building, including at lift lobbies, inside lifts, and on every floor reminding residents not to throw items out of windows.

According to NEA notices, multiple reports of high-rise littering have been received, and enforcement action is ongoing.

CCTV cameras have been installed around the block, capable of capturing clear footage even at night or in low-light conditions.

So far, at least three such incidents have been recorded, and investigations are ongoing, Shin Min reported.

Authorities said enforcement action will be taken against those responsible.

Littering from residential flats is an offence as it poses a danger to the public, dirties the environment, and threatens public hygiene.

Any individual who does so is liable on conviction to a court fine of up to S$2,000 for a first conviction, S$4,000 for a second conviction, and S$10,000 for the third and subsequent convictions.

The court may also impose a corrective work order, requiring offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours.

Top image via Shin Min